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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Former University of Washington assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Donegal Fergus has agreed to terms to become the associate head coach at UC Santa Barbara, head coach Andrew Checketts announced on Monday afternoon.

Fergus, a former assistant at Seattle University and head coach at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash., joins the UCSB staff after spending the past five seasons at the University of Washington.

"I am excited that Donegal and his family will be joining us," Checketts said. "Donegal has a reputation as a relationship builder and is a proven winner with a pedigree of success. He will bring energy and experience with him and I look forward to working together to get the Gauchos back to the postseason and beyond".

Upon Fergus' arrival to Washington following the 2013 season, the Huskies enjoyed one of their most successful stretches in program history. In 2014, Fergus' first season as hitting coach, Washington snapped a 10-year postseason drought after going 41-17 and advancing to the NCAA Regionals. The Huskies also achieved their highest ranking in team history, reaching the No. 5 spot in the Baseball America, Perfect Game and Collegiate Baseball Poll.

Washington proceeded to advance to three NCAA tournaments in five seasons with Fergus on staff, including an appearance in the College World Series in 2018 after the Huskies won their first ever Super Regional.

"My family and I could not be more excited to join the Gaucho family," Fergus said. "Coach Checketts and his family could not be more welcoming to my clan. I'm fired up by the opportunity to be at a place that combines incredible educational opportunities with progressive player development. Coach Checketts has shown that he can recruit and grow players as well as anyone in the country and I am honored to be a part of that and I can't wait to get started!"